Re: Any marine sales people on here?
I am not a salesperson for any of the local dealers but I do keep contact with them as I know most of them. This is what they have to say. The market this year is very different from those past. Low to mid-range priced boats are not selling. However, big ticket boats are selling well. My main place said that they have sold 3 times as many $250,00+ boats this year as they ever had in the past. Those buyers have money and cash is the way they buy. It's the entry level or "middle class" boats that are sitting. He sells Crownline, Regal, Bayliner and others. The Bayliners are sitting as are the under-25' boats. However, jump up to a 28'+ boat and they are selling. He's just fine with selling 1 big Crownline instead of 5 or 6 Bayliners. Accessories are doing well as is the parts department and service. Used boats simply don't stay on the lot when he gets them. Financing has been tough unless you have a good chunk for a down and decent credit.
One of the guys in my area has a very good parts/accessories department and they have had a good year. Boat sales are flat for them but they are selling accessories like crazy, or at least they were during the season. People who have boats spend on them and with the downturn they are keeping them instead of upgrading. That means more goodies/toys for the existing boats. The margin on these items is very good so technically they are making "more" money there, Granted, it takes a lot of $100 toys to make up for the profit on a $30,000 boat but volume makes up the difference. None of the local dealers are on hard times believe it or not.
